Verlander: Mets move 'a leap of faith' that 'has paid off'
Justin Verlander had a one word for what convinced him to sign with the New York Mets: “Steve.” As in owner Steve Cohen and his willingness to spend his hedge-fund fortune to bring the team its first World Series title since 1986. “I took a leap of faith, and here we are a few weeks later, and I think that leap of faith has paid off,” Verlander said Tuesday during his introductory news conference at Citi Field.
news.yahoo.comMets set to shatter payroll records, soar to about $350M
Steve Cohen's New York Mets are on track to shatter spending records in his third season as owner, boosting payroll to about $350 million for purposes of the luxury tax and poised to pay a penalty of about $80 million. New York added veteran starters Justin Verlander and Jose Quintana plus reliever David Robertson and Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga while re-signing center fielder Brandon Nimmo.
news.yahoo.comMets, minor leaguers plan meeting to discuss pay, conditions
Leaders from the New York Mets recently held what’s believed to be an unprecedented meeting with the nonprofit group Advocates for Minor Leaguers to discuss pay and working conditions in the minors, and another meeting is planned soon that will include players from the team’s farm system.
Christie's offers a rare Babe Ruth notched bat
Christie's is auctioning off a private single owner collection of rare baseball memorabilia including a Babe Ruth notched baseball bat and a letter denying reinstatement to a player involved in the Black Sox 1919 World Series scandal. (Oct. 4)
news.yahoo.comMets fire 2 high-ranking employees after workplace review
The New York Mets have fired two high-ranking employees and will overhaul their legal and human resources departments on the recommendation of independent investigators hired to review the organization following allegations of sexual misconduct against former manager Mickey Callaway.
Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Lynch 2 Members of Congress
A Missouri man pleaded guilty Thursday to charges that he had threatened to lynch a Black congressman the day after the Jan. 6 siege at the U.S. Capitol and a Jewish congressman in 2019, court records show. The man, Kenneth Hubert, 63, of Marionville, Missouri, was arrested in March after, prosecutors said, he had directed the threats at U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Mo., and Steve Cohen, D-Tenn. According to a plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri,
news.yahoo.comRep. Steve Cohen says judging by Marjorie Taylor Greene's press conference she 'didn't learn a lot' about the Holocaust, after she apologized for previous remarks
Greene wouldn't recant her comparison of the Democratic Party to Hitler's National Socialist Party after she apologized for equating mask mandates to the Holocaust.
news.yahoo.comButtigieg visits closed Interstate 40 bridge in Tennessee
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg came to Tennessee to learn how the closure of the Interstate 40 bridge connecting that state and Arkansas has affected freight movement since it was shut down more than three weeks ago when a crack was found in the span.
AP source: Lindor, Mets agree to $341 million, 10-year deal
Lindor was eligible for free agency after this season and said this spring he wouldn't negotiate with the Mets on a long-term contract after opening day. New York added Lindor knowing he could walk after the 2021 season, but the team said it would try to negotiate a long-term pact. Lindor will retain his $22.3 million salary for 2021 before the contract kicks in for 2022. Only Mike Trout's $426.5 million, 12-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels and Mookie Betts' $365 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers are worth more. Lindor's deal is also by far the largest payout ever from the Mets, surpassing contracts for third baseman David Wright ($138 million), pitchers Jacob deGrom ($137.5 million) and Johan Santana ($137.5 million).
Chris Christie joins Mets' board of directors under Cohen
Christie has joined the board of directors of the New York Mets. His son Andrew has worked for the team since 2018 and is the Mets' coordinator of international scouting. Chris Christie has joined the board of directors of the New York Mets. Jeanne Melino also joined the Mets board under new owner Steve Cohen, and New York said Friday she will be hired by the team as senior vice president of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. The Mets' board also includes chairman emeritus Fred Wilpon and vice chairman Andrew Cohen, who is not related to Steve.
Watch Live: House Judiciary hearing on violence and discrimination against Asian Americans
A House Judiciary subcommittee is holding a hearing Thursday focused on the rise of violence and discrimination against Asian Americans. The hearing comes amid a spike in assaults on Asian Americans nationwide. How to watch House Judiciary Committee hearing on violence and discrimination against Asian Americans todayWhat : House Judiciary Committee holds hearing on violence and discrimination against Asian Americans: House Judiciary Committee holds hearing on violence and discrimination against Asian Americans Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021Thursday, March 18, 2021 Time: 10 a.m. On Capitol Hill, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday acknowledged that hate crimes against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic have "skyrocketed." Harris and Mr. Biden will also meet with Asian American community leaders during their trip to Atlanta on Friday, the White House confirmed to CBS News.
cbsnews.comOpponents suspect environmental racism in pipeline project
Robinson's land is coveted by Valero Energy and Plains All American Pipeline, and their joint venture, the Byhalia Connection. “It’s just not fair.”The Byhalia Connection would link the east-west Diamond Pipeline through the Valero refinery in Memphis to the north-south Capline Pipeline near Byhalia, Mississippi. Opponents suspect environmental racism — the practice of placing toxic factories, landfills and other polluters in minority neighborhoods and indigenous areas, where voiceless residents only realize the danger after people get sick. Byhalia Connection spokeswoman Katie Martin said the comment doesn't reflect the company's views. Byhalia Connection representatives say the pipeline will make refineries along the artery more efficient and poses no threat to the aquifer.
25 highest-paid hedge fund managers made $32 billion in 2020, a record
The 25 highest-paid hedge fund managers made a record $32 billion in 2020, up more than 50% over 2019, according to Institutional Investor's Rich List. A total of 15 hedge fund managers made $1 billion or more, compared with only eight in 2019. The big gains during the coronavirus pandemic, coupled with the public debate over hedge funds in the wake of the GameStop controversy, is likely to draw criticism from lawmakers and the public over hedge fund pay and fairness in financial markets. The fund was an early investor in tech stocks and overseas plays that did well during the pandemic, giving his fund a 48% return. Steve Cohen of Point72 Asset Management, who owns the Mets, was tied for fifth, along with David Tepper, both at $1.7 billion.
cnbc.comMets owner Steve Cohen leaves Twitter, citing threats and "misinformation"
The owner of the New York Mets says he has dropped off Twitter because his family received threats that he attributed to "misinformation" that was not tied to the baseball team. One of the short sellers, Melvin Capital, announced this week that it received a $750 million infusion from Point72. "I've really enjoyed the back and forth with Mets fans on Twitter which was unfortunately overtaken this week by misinformation unrelated to the Mets that led to our family getting personal threats," Cohen said Saturday in a statement issued by the Mets. The hedge fund billionaire told Mets fans, "We have other ways to listen to your suggestions and remain committed to doing that." The Mets tied for last place in the National League East division last season.
cbsnews.comMets owner Steve Cohen leaves Twitter, citing threats and "misinformation"
The owner of the New York Mets says he has dropped off Twitter because his family received threats that he attributed to "misinformation" that was not tied to the baseball team. One of the short sellers, Melvin Capital, announced this week that it received a $750 million infusion from Point72. "I've really enjoyed the back and forth with Mets fans on Twitter which was unfortunately overtaken this week by misinformation unrelated to the Mets that led to our family getting personal threats," Cohen said Saturday in a statement issued by the Mets. The hedge fund billionaire told Mets fans, "We have other ways to listen to your suggestions and remain committed to doing that." The Mets tied for last place in the National League East division last season.
cbsnews.comHedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen leaves Twitter after family receives threats amid GameStop backlash
Steve Cohen, the founder of hedge fund Point72 and owner of the New York Mets, has deactivated his Twitter account after his family received threats this week amid the GameStop trading frenzy. We have other ways to listen to your suggestions and remain committed to doing that," he said. Cohen's hedge fund, which manages nearly $19 billion in assets, lost nearly 15% this year after small investors caused shares of videogame retailer GameStop to surge, a source familiar with the matter told The New York Times. Cohen, who purchased the Mets for about $2.5 billion in November, faced questions on Twitter about how Melvin's losses would impact the baseball team. Cohen on Thursday also engaged in a back-and-forth with Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy on Twitter after Portnoy accused Cohen of involvement with controversial trading restrictions in GameStop on apps like Robinhood.
cnbc.comSteve Cohen officially owns the New York Mets after MLB approves deal
Steve Cohen is officially the owner of the New York Mets. Major League Baseball owners approved of Cohen's roughly $2.4 billion purchase of the team from the Wilpon Family on Friday, the league announced. "On behalf of Major League Baseball, I congratulate Mr. Cohen on receiving approval from the Major League Clubs. "The New York City Law Department has completed its legal review of the proposed sale of the Mets," de Blasio said in a statement. "New York City does not object to the sale, and the Mets may proceed with the transaction."
cnbc.comWild night in sports as Steve Cohen out of Mets deal, Red Sox make a blockbuster move; Rockets kick off NBA trade week with four-team deal
On Tuesday evening, baseball fans took to social media to chatter about the first of two significant moves this offseason. Fred Wilpon would stay on as CEO, past the original five-year agreement that was reported when the sale was first revealed last December. The deal also included unfavorable language when it came to the Mets' regional sports network, SNY. After changes to the deal, Cohen decided against the move to purchase 80% of the franchise. The Astros' investigation officially ended last month and saw the removal of Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
cnbc.comHedge fund titan Steve Cohen in talks to increase his stake in Mets
Hedge fund titan Steve Cohen is in talks to increase his investment in the New York Mets, his family office, Cohen Private Ventures, and the current owner said Wednesday. "The Sterling Partners and Steve Cohen are negotiating an agreement in which Steve Cohen would increase his investment in the New York Mets," the companies said in a statement. Sterling currently has a majority stake in the team. Meanwhile, Cohen will remain in his role as CEO of Point72 Asset Management, and his stake in the Mets will continue to be managed by Cohen Private Ventures, his family office said. Fox Sports reported Cohen could end up controlling 80% of the Mets.
cnbc.comHouse committee approves landmark bill legalizing marijuana at the federal level
It's likely to face a tougher battle in the Republican-controlled Senate, where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opposes marijuana legalization. The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill Wednesday that legalizes marijuana on the federal level, removing it from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. "The criminalization of marijuana has been a mistake," Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., said during the markup of the bill. In response, Nadler said that House Democrats can "negotiate" with the Senate, acknowledging Republicans won't take the bill "as is." The committee approval comes two months after the House passed legislation that would protect banks that serve marijuana businesses in states where the substance is legal.
cnbc.comBoeing CEO grilled over salary, accountability in second day of congressional questioning
Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg was grilled about his salary on Wednesday, the second day of congressional hearings about the company's 737 Max jets, which were involved in two fatal crashes. Cohen asked if anyone at the company had taken a pay cut amid the grounding of the 737 Max. "You're saying you're not giving up any compensation at all," Cohen asked Muilenburg. Muilenburg earned total compensation of just under $23.4 million for 2018, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. He also cashed in delayed stock payouts from previous years, bringing his total actual compensation for the year to $30 million.
cnbc.com'Americans are getting bigger.' FAA to test whether passengers can safely evacuate cramped airplane cabins
The Federal Aviation Administration is planning to test later this year whether American passengers can safely evacuate airplanes in an emergency after airlines spent decades adding smaller seats and more of them to their planes. A funding bill passed last year gave the FAA the authority to establish minimum airplane seat dimensions. Meanwhile, lawmakers have fretted whether they're too small for average American travelers, who are getting heavier. "Beside whether I cram my backside into the seat getting out would be a really useful thing," said Rep. Paul Mitchell, a Michigan Republican. Crews must be able to evacuate passengers from aircraft within 90 seconds.
cnbc.comHouse moves to condemn Trump as he again attacks minority congresswomen
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A resolution condemning President Donald Trumps racially charged attacks on four Democratic congresswomen was headed for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, with Trump pressuring his fellow Republicans to oppose it. Trump triggered the controversy during the weekend by tweeting that the four should go back where they came from. REUTERS/Erin ScottDemocratic Representative Steve Cohen, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, has 17 co-sponsors for his bill to censure Trump. Cohen said whatever the House does should not be watered down to try to lure House Republicans into voting for it. You have a racist mind in your head, and a racist heart in your chest.Trump is seeking re-election next year.
feeds.reuters.comAs Trump again attacks minority congresswomen, House moves towards condemnation vote
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A resolution condemning President Donald Trumps racially charged attacks on four Democratic congresswomen was headed for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, with Trump pressuring his fellow Republicans to oppose it. A final vote on the resolution condemning Trumps remarks was expected on Tuesday evening with Pelosi trying to manage demands from some House Democrats for a tougher resolution to censure him. REUTERS/Erin ScottDemocratic Representative Steve Cohen, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, has 17 co-sponsors for his bill to censure Trump. Cohen said whatever the House does should not be watered down to try to lure House Republicans into voting for it. The vote on the House resolution would force House Republicans either to vote against their partys leader, who has strong support among conservatives, or effectively defend him.
feeds.reuters.comAs Trump renews attacks on congresswomen, House moves toward condemnation vote
A vote was expected later on Tuesday on the resolution condemning Trumps remarks, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi trying to manage demands from some House Democrats for a tougher resolution to censure him. Democratic Representative Steve Cohen, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, has 17 co-sponsors for his bill to censure Trump. Cohen said whatever the House does should not be watered down to try to lure some House Republicans into voting for it. Slideshow (2 Images)Democrats and other critics in statements on Monday rejected Trumps personal attacks on the four congresswomen as racist, xenophobic and aimed at further dividing Americans. A few Republicans have condemned Trumps remarks, while others have defended the president and attacked the women.
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